Most of us are always looking for ways to improve our lives - a better job, a nicer house, make more money - these are some of the biggies. But what about the less obvious things like being more productive or organized, or having more time for our relationships? These things would also contribute to a better quality of life, yet we often find ourselves "stuck," moving through life doing the "same old, same old."

There is a great little book available titled Habit Stacking. 97 Small Life Changes That Take 5 Minutes or Lessby S.J. Scott. This gem can be read in an hour or so, and is filled with simple suggestions for improving your life by making a series of small changes.

"Habit stacking works because you eliminate the stress of trying to change too many things at once. your goal is to simply focus on a single routine that only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Within this routine is a series of actions (or small changes). All you have to do is to create a checklist and follow it every single day. That's the essence of habit stacking."

Habits #1-#17 address Productivity, and include things like drinking a full glass of water to start your day (Spoiler Alert: stay hydrated - your brain works better).

Habits #18-#31 cover Relationships, and encourage such behavior as returning a text or email, or giving a compliment, to improve or sustain your personal and professional relationships.

Habits #32-#44 deal with Finances, and include actions like turning off your lights and appliances, putting your loose change in a jar, and finding something free to do (hiking in Colorado, anyone?)

Habits #45-#60 look at Organization, and who couldn't get better at that? Making something as simple as making the bed, putting away three things, or wiping off one surface a daily habit can have us feeling more together.

Habits #61-#75 make Spirituality and Mental Well-being a priority through small actions like listening to your favorite song, compiling a gratitude list, or looking at cherished pictures.

Habits #76-#85 are all about Health and Physical Fitness. Take your vitamins, brush your tongue, and meditate are a few of the ideas included.

Habits #86-#97 deal with Leisure and encourage getting outside, perform a random act of kindness, and spend a few minutes cuddling with your child/pet/significant other. Now that does sound like fun!

S.J. Scott's Habit Stacking. 97 Small Life Changes That Take 5 Minutes or Less is a quick and thoughtful read. By building just a few targeted actions into your daily routine, your quality of life certainly can improve.

Kelly is an Associate Broker with The Platinum Group Realtors. She has over 15 years experience in Real Estate in the Colorado Springs and Front Range region of Colorado. She represents buyers and sellers of real estate buying homes, land for sale and mountain property getaways. Specific areas include: Black Forest, Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Divide, Falcon, Downtown, Manitou Springs, Monument, Old Colorado City, Westside, Woodmen Hills and Woodland Park. You can reach her at 719-226-0126 or by clicking "email the author" above.